Little Hoolie’s is Moving
/Nobody puts Baby in a corner! Located in the corner of the Briar Bay Shopping Center across from The Falls, Little Hoolie’s Sports Bar & Grill has been the place to enjoy adult beverages, shoot pool, watch sports on 30 TVs and listen to some great local bands for 18 years.
Originally, it was Jay Love who owned both Hooligan’s Pub & Oyster Bar (in Pinecrest’s Dadeland Plaza Shopping Center) and Little Hoolie’s Sports Bar & Grill. Then, in 2000, Chris Valle bought Little Hoolie’s and the rest, they say, is (ongoing) history.
Little Hoolie’s is beloved by both patrons and local bands. I, and so many others, know that it’s a special place with a fantastic staff, good prices and passion to be the best. Manager Steve Spanka remarked, “Friday nights are our big nights. We pack them in and the bands are great, everything from hard rock to R&B.”
Among many successful bands who rocked Little Hoolie’s over the years is Mr. Nice Guy. MNG Guitarist Tom Hall recalled, “We were there from the beginning and I remember that placed so packed the fire marshal came and shut it down. Joe is an excellent manager who really knows how to run a bar.” John Quinn, MNG’s keyboardist, recalled, “Little Hoolie’s is where we were born. Back then, the band played pretty much for beer. We’ve come a long way and we love Little Hoolie’s for what they did for us.”
About 11 years ago, Big Hoolie’s closed and a string of other bars failed thereafter. Now, it seems, it’s time for the Little one to ascend. In the final days of May, Little Hoolie’s will close its doors in the Briar Bay Shopping Center and about two weeks later open up right where Big Hoolie’s used to be. Spanka says, “Pending inspections and permits, we should soft open in early June in the much larger space. We’re excited! It’s going to be bigger and better.”
In a fitting manner, Mr. Nice Guy, who has grown their base to tens of thousands of raving fans, have their own 3-day Caribbean cruise and now open for some pretty famous bands is slated to be the first booked band at the new Little Hoolie’s Sports Bar & Grill on June 29th.
So, if your nostalgic, hustle in for a final beer or two at their current location. And soon visit them at 9555 S Dixie Hwy in Pinecrest’s Dadeland Plaza Shopping Center. For exact timing of the move, check out www.littlehoolies.com.